Business Students Explore Entrepreneurships for Former Prisoners, Spotify Algorithms, Leveraged Buyouts and More During Second SURP

Michelle Jenkins thinks the subjects of her summer research project deserve a second chance – despite being convicted felons.

“These people, regardless of what they’ve done, are trying their hardest to re-enter society and provide for their families,” said Jenkins, a graphic communication major.

Jenkins participated in the 2022 Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP), which concluded recently with a symposium on campus.  Her project, sponsored by Entrepreneurship lecturer Fiona Robinson, explored entrepreneurship opportunities for former inmates and the obstacles they face.

“One of the biggest reasons people get re-incarcerated is they can’t find employment, they may have limited education, and they don’t have credit scores,” Robinson said. “So we look at entrepreneurship as a possible alternative to traditional employment.”

SURP pairs newer students with faculty mentors – and sometimes industry sponsors — to conduct relevant research over the summer. The program, which originated with the College of Engineering, has expanded to the College of Liberal Arts and the Orfalea College of Business.

In the past two years, at the Orfalea College of Business, SURP has supported 72 students and 41 faculty members, with financial support surpassing $230,000, said Bruce Greenbaum, associate dean for programs and learning.

“The summer research program is an ideal Learn by Doing opportunity for our undergraduate students – exposing them to real, impactful academic research,” he said. “The variety of projects and subject areas should only grow as we plan to capitalize on the early momentum developed over these first two years.”

Alumnus Rob Pietsch (Marketing, ’94) was so impressed with the program, he decided to donate to it.

“I’m a big believer in experience,” said Pietsch, who is a global managing director at Twitter.

As an undergrad, Pietsch took a class that prepared a marketing plan for Dole, which the class presented to the fruit and vegetable producer. That project not only provided him experience relevant to his career, it also paved the way for a job.

“My first job out of school was with Dole,” he said.

Likewise, he said, SURP will provide a pipeline to industry while making students more Day One Ready for work – something employers will appreciate.

“People who have this experience are going to give back to the company sooner,” he said.

During the symposium, students stood next to posterboards detailing their projects and explained their research to a variety of visitors, giving them added public speaking skills.

“They don’t get the opportunity to hide behind the faculty when people ask challenging questions about their work,” Greenbaum said. “It is a fabulous opportunity to express their confidence in their work and the knowledge they have developed over the course of working on their research projects.”

SURP also allows them to pursue interests further.

Prior to last summer, financial management major Sean Dolan had taken finance courses, but he wasn’t familiar with leveraged buyouts. So he performed research for Associate Professor Mahdi Rastad that delved into the topic.

“I just thought it would be a good supplement to what I’m learning,” Dolan said. “I’ve always had an interest in the financial markets, specifically private equity.”

Mitchell D’India, a marketing management student, helped Assistant Professor T.J. Weber perform research on Spotify’s model.

Mitchell D’India stands next to the poster detailing his SURP work. (Photo: Dennis Steers)

“I actually really enjoy Spotify, and I really enjoy what they do musically,” D’India said. “So I’ve been thinking more about music marketing and the algorithmic stuff behind it.”

Other SURP topics this summer included supply chain management; strategies for charities; machine learning; renewable energies; social media marketing; and more.

SURP, which provides a stipend, is flexible for students who have other summer commitments. D’India traveled to Alaska and North Carolina, and Jenkins worked as a design intern during their SURP work.

Students often learn of SURP opportunities from their faculty. Business administration student Cynthia Torres learned about the inmate entrepreneurship research during her Introduction to Entrepreneurship course with Robinson.

“It was great to work on something we all cared about,” Torres said.

Michelle Jenkins, Cynthia Torres and Lecturer Fiona Robinson pose for a photo with Cal Poly Provost Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore. (Photo courtesy of Fiona Robinson)

The research topic is a relatively new field, Robinson said.

Given the challenges former inmates have in finding work, entrepreneurship represents expanded options. But the research, a collaboration with Butler University Professor Stephanie Fernhaber, explores obstacles and challenges.

“We’re asking how their prison experience informed their decision to be an entrepreneur, what sort of training and resources do they have, and how does that differ from someone who enters entrepreneurship from a different path,” Robinson said.

Even though Jenkins doesn’t plan to pursue research for a career, her work with Robinson will help her, she said.

“I think these skills are super versatile and can be applied to any field or career,” she said. “You have to be a good team player, you have to be a good communicator, and you have to be inquisitive, curious and passionate about what you do.’

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